A new alternative for sleep apnea
Hospital del Mar has performed a pioneering surgery in Catalonia to treat sleep apnea. This innovative intervention uses a neurostimulator implanted on the nerve that controls the movement of the patients’ tongue. Unlike the standard treatment, which involves the continued use of a positive airway pressure mask, this surgery offers an alternative for those people who cannot tolerate this conventional therapy.
Benefits for patients
The benefits of this surgery are significant for a wide group of people. It is estimated that in the State there are between 1.2 and 2.1 million people with sleep apnea, but only 10% are diagnosed. Of this 10%, almost half do not tolerate positive airway pressure mask treatment. This means there is a huge demand for alternatives like neurostimulator surgery.
The surgical procedure
The surgery is performed through a minimally invasive surgical intervention. A six-centimeter incision is made under the jaw to implant the neurostimulator. This device comes into contact with the branches of the nerve that controls the movement of the tongue, with the aim of increasing the amount of air in the airway during sleep.
Results and device activation
The first patients who underwent this surgery experienced an immediate improvement in the quality of their sleep. The device is activated eight weeks after surgery and should only be used during sleeping hours. In addition, patients only need to place a patch under their chin to hold the activation chip.
conclusion
Pioneering surgery to treat sleep apnea with neurostimulator is a promising alternative for those who cannot tolerate standard treatment. This intervention, carried out at the Hospital del Mar de Catalunya, offers significant benefits for patients and improves their quality of life.
